Life's a beach: Don't stick your head in the sand - find out how to avoid big holiday bills by knowing the roaming costs.

Regardless of the cuts some unlucky
holidaymakers still fall prey to shock bills, as they unknowingly run up charges whilst abroad.

From July the cost of making a mobile call from another European Union country will fall from 30p a minute to 24p, while a text drops to just 7p from 10p.

Mobile firms will also have to cap internet charges for the first time. The cost of data is to be limited to 58p per megabyte for customers – a large drop as some currently charge up to €4.

But these charges only count if you're in a country in the European Union. Bad news for those in the Ukraine for Euro 2012, which is outside the EU. We explain how to avoid nasty roaming charges whilst on holiday.

How to cut the cost of your mobile bill if you go on holiday

Turn off your phone: The easiest way to avoid a large bill when you’re on holiday is to turn off your mobile phone or leave it at home. But let's be honest, this isn't always practical.

Turn off internet data: Before you fly make sure you’ve switched off your internet and cellular data.

Ask your network: Your network may offer an overseas bundle or cap on the cost of calling. Before you go away make sure you phone them up and ask what your options are. This is also a good chance to check how much it costs to call, text and use the internet when you’re away.

he price varies depending on the country and destinations outside the EU are typically more expensive. Do your research so that you’re not caught out and if your mobile phone firm offers to cap your spending make sure you remember this is just a guideline and not a fool-proof way to avoid a big bill.

Go local: If you’re regularly visiting a destination, or you’re away for an extended period of time then you should consider getting a local SIM.

Turn your voicemail off: It is one of the hidden costs of using your mobile on holiday - some providers charge for people leaving you messages.

HOW TO TURN OFF INTERNET DATA

On an iPhone: Tap the Settings app on your homescreenTap GeneralTap NetworkSlide the data roaming slider to off. Follow this same process for cellular data.

On a Blackberry: In the device options, click mobile network.Perform one of the following actions:To turn off data service, change the data services field to off.To turn off data service when roaming, change the data services field to off when roaming.Press the menu key.Click save.

How to protect yourself if your phone is stolen

Firstly, before you do anything make sure that you have a PIN set up on your phone. If your phone is stolen this will help protect you against the thief running up large bills.

If you’re unlucky enough to lose your mobile, or it’s stolen while you’re on holiday then make sure that you ring up your phone provider as soon as possible to tell them.

Most mobile firms stipulate in their terms and conditions that customers must inform them of lost and stolen phones within 24 hours.

Before you go away make a note of the number you need to call so that if the worst comes to the worst you know who to call. You should also make a note of your insurer, as they will need to be notified too. Many will require a crime reference number, so it’s worth checking that out too.

You should also make a record of your phone’s IMEI number, as well as the make and model number. The IMEI is a unique 15-digit serial number which you will need to get the phone blocked. You can get your IMEI number by keying *#06# into your handset or by looking behind your phone battery.

REPORTING YOUR PHONE LOST OR STOLEN

Three Mobile Call 333 free from a Three phone or 0843 373 3333 from any other phoneIf your phone has been lost or stolen while travelling abroad, call +44 7782 333 333

Vodafone Pay monthly and business customersCall Vodafone on 191 from another Vodafone mobile phone or 08700 700191 from a landline or +44 7836 191 191 if you are abroad.Pay as you go customersCall 191 from another Vodafone mobile phone or 08700 776655 from a landline or +44 7836 191 919 if you are abroad.